Abstract
Yemen's agriculture and water resources sectors are in a crisis. The water availability is 150 m3/cap/a. This compares with an average of 1250 m3/cap/a for the Middle East and North Africa. All surface water and groundwater resources are exploited beyond the level of recharge. The agriculture industry uses 93% of the potable water, and does not actively encourage sustainable water saving techniques. Qat (Catha edulis; recreational drug) cultivation uses 40% of the potable water. The water crisis could be mitigated by reducing qat production, and promoting water reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation. However, this is currently socially unacceptable.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 55-75 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | Journal of Sustainable Agriculture |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 13 Jun 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Groundwater
- Irrigation
- Qat
- Social problems
- Sustainable agriculture policy
- Wastewater reuse
- Wastewater stabilization pond
- Water leakage
- Water resources
- Yemen
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Development
- Agronomy and Crop Science
